NextVR, the startup focused on live virtual reality productions, is using NAB in Las Vegas to trot out what it’s billing as the first VR production truck.
The new truck will be used for broadcast coverage of “marquee” events, the company said, noting that after its appearance at NAB the truck will hit the road to cover several live events, including sporting events and concerts, starting in July.
NextVR said the custom-built production truck will allow for quick deployment at arenas and stadiums, and designed to be “plug-and-play” for multi-camera, live stereoscopic VR productions with fully-mixed 3D VR audio. The mobile production hub will consist of three parts -- an audio mixing facility to produce VR 3D audio, space for broadcast partners and event hosts to monitor the live VR broadcast, and computational resources required for VR productions.
The truck was also designed to fit into a large cargo airplane to it can quickly reach international markets, the company noted.
"Downtime is unacceptable in a live broadcast. This truck allows our production to be fully redundant, providing a distinct competitive advantage for us as we continue to produce world-class events with global appeal," said Ryan Sheridan, NextVR's senior vice president for Imaging and Production Technologies, in a statement.
NextVR recently struck a five-year partnership with Fox Sports to collaborate on VR coverage of a range of sporting events. Late last year, NextVR secured a $30.5 million Series A round that included support from Time Warner Investments, Comcast Ventures, and The Madison Square Garden Company, among others.
